People travel daily along the I-35 corridor that runs through Chisago County. Many know that this stretch of road is considered a drug highway, but that doesn’t mean that police officers have the freedom to pull people over without any cause.
One factor that comes into the picture during traffic stops is the mission of the stop. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution sets strict limits on what’s allowable. For example, if a traffic stop is for a minor infraction like speeding, the stop has a limited mission. Once a ticket or warning is issued, the stop has to legally end unless the officer has reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed.
What is reasonable suspicion?
Reasonable suspicion means the police officer sees signs that a reasonable person would believe are signs of a criminal action. Once the police officer initiates the traffic stop, the officer will observe what’s going on. Some possible observances that could meet the reasonable suspicion standards include seeing drugs in plain view or the driver being more nervous than what’s normal for the situation.
Throughout the traffic stop, police officers are bound by certain rules. For example, they can’t stall for time, even by using “friendly” conversations. In 2026, Minnesota courts are becoming increasingly strict about officers delaying a traffic stop just so they can wait on a K-9 unit. That illustrates that the driver’s rights must remain a priority during these stops.
If an officer can find probable cause that a crime was committed, which is a stricter standard than reasonable suspicion, they may arrest the driver. In some cases, they may find probable cause to conduct a warrantless search of the vehicle. It’s important to note that the odor of marijuana isn’t enough to justify that search.
Why this matters for your felony drug case
If you were pulled over on I-35 in Chisago County and the police found drugs in your vehicle, the state’s entire case against you hinges on whether that officer followed the rules.
Did the officer stall while waiting for a K-9 unit? Did they search your car based on nothing more than the smell of marijuana? If the police overstepped their boundaries or extended the stop without legal justification, the evidence they found may have been obtained illegally. Under the Fourth Amendment, illegally obtained evidence cannot be used against you in court.
If the officer can’t articulate the reason for conducting the traffic stop or delayed letting you go go, there’s a chance the information could be used as part of a defense strategy if charges are levied against you. Working with someone familiar with these criminal law matters can help to ensure your rights are protected.